When starting a renovation or simply buying a new kitchen set, there is definitely a need to attractively decorate the work area (the so-called apron). One of the relatively new, but already actively used, are MDF wall panels. For those who are planning to install a backsplash, the question: why are they so good is especially relevant.
Quality, variety of colors and textures are the main parameters why choose this material
What is MDF in furniture
Let's figure out what MDF is in furniture. The decoding of the abbreviation, made up of the English phrase Medium Density Fiberboard, translates as “medium density fiberboard”.
Now let’s decipher this in more detail, so that it is clear even to those who do not understand the features of modern materials at all.
What MDF boards look like without treatment
MDF boards are made from small wood sawdust. Sawdust is glued together using substances such as paraffin and lignin. The composition used in the manufacture of boards does not pose a danger to human health and the ecology of housing: during operation, no toxic substances are released from furniture made from MDF boards.
photo MDF production technology
Maxim Arkhangelsky: MDF and chipboard differ from each other in two main parameters:
- the size of the wood fraction used (in simple terms - sawdust);
- Manufacturers use different adhesives.
For the production of chipboard, a composition is used that includes formaldehyde resins. In fact, this is the main drawback of the material. The top finishing layer of chipboard performs not only a decorative, but also a protective function. If it is damaged, then there is a high risk that people will have to inhale harmful substances, and this will certainly affect their health.
When making relatively inexpensive kitchen furniture, manufacturers quite often use a combination of both types of boards: the facades are made of MDF, but the cabinet part is made of cheaper chipboard.
MDF boards after processing, photo
What to look for when choosing
The kitchen is the main room in the house, so it is extremely important that the furniture set meets all the requirements for safety, durability and strength. At the same time, kitchen furniture must match the design of the room.
When choosing a kitchen made from MDF, you need to pay attention to the quality of the material, the coating of the facades, design and fittings. Key points to consider when purchasing:
- Material thickness. You should not skimp on this parameter. The optimal thickness of the base that is decorated with film is 1.6 cm. When decorating facades with plastic or acrylic, the thickness of the material should be about 1.8 cm. The film coating should be applied to both sides of the facade.
- Type of coverage. In this case, you can choose veneer, plastic, acrylic, film or enamel. The choice of coating will determine the durability, wear resistance, appearance and cost of the product.
- Design and color. You can order whole structures or individual modules. Before ordering, you should decide on the design of the furniture and the room as a whole. White kitchens are suitable for a classic interior, and colored ones for a modern one. Glossy MDF kitchen in vanilla color is an excellent solution for any interior. This also applies to furniture with imitation natural wood.
- Manufacturer. The quality of the furniture, its durability and appearance will depend on this indicator, so you should not trust the manufacture of furniture to unverified companies. In this case, the risk of receiving low-quality products is too high.
- Features of operation. When choosing a coating for furniture, you should also take into account the individual characteristics of use. Steam, high temperature and high humidity can negatively affect the condition of facades, so you should choose coatings that are resistant to moisture and temperature if the furniture will be located close to the oven and stove.
MDF is a strong, durable and affordable material. However, for a high-quality kitchen, it is necessary to give preference only to high-quality coating that will withstand operational loads and also fit perfectly into the interior of the room.
Panels for the production of kitchen furniture
Depending on the production technology used, furniture makers distinguish three types of MDF panels:
- whole pressed slabs. The products have medium density. They do not swell when exposed to moisture, have good heat and sound insulation properties;
- moisture-resistant panels are characterized by increased density, tolerate moisture without problems, and are not afraid of hot condensation. The material has proven itself to be excellent;
- laminated. Boards produced using this technology are resistant to mechanical damage and do not swell at high humidity. Without any problems, you can choose household chemicals to care for your kitchen units.
Laminated MDF facades, photo
Furniture factories often use the last two options: laminated and moisture-resistant panels. In terms of their performance properties, solidly pressed boards are less suitable for rooms characterized by high humidity and temperature fluctuations.
What do MDF facades look like for a kitchen?
Advantages and disadvantages of MDF kitchen sets
Advantages of MDF furniture
The price of MDF kitchens is significantly cheaper than furniture made from solid wood. If some parts from chipboard are used, then the price of MDF kitchens becomes even more affordable.
Photo of a set made of MDF with a dark wood look
- The cost of MDF kitchens varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it’s worth looking through the catalogs. Ask clarifying questions to the managers due to which the kitchen furniture offered by the factory is cheaper. Don't make purchasing decisions instantly, especially if quality is your primary concern. Many enterprises make MDF kitchens to order, the prices offered are quite affordable. Remember that it is possible to choose a kitchen set made of MDF at a price that will not hit the family budget.
- Spectacular and varied design. MDF panels must be processed, otherwise they look very inexpressive. The MDF panel is perceived by kitchen furniture developers as a blank sheet of paper. Based on it, you can create an imitation of any material: marble, wood. Manufacturers use films, plastic and enamel to decorate slabs. The result is beautiful panels that can be used to solve many problems in furniture design. By the way, MDF kitchens come in both glossy and matte - there is a choice for every taste.
- Furniture MDF panels have good performance characteristics. They have a long service life and resist mechanical shock.
- Kitchen units made from MDF boards are easy to care for . Surface dirt can be easily removed with a sponge soaked in an inexpensive detergent.
In the photo - care of MDF furniture
Disadvantages that you may encounter when using furniture made from MDF panels
Unfortunately, there are also opposite reviews. There are people who are disappointed with the purchase of a kitchen set made from MDF boards. The main complaints: over time, the facades become deformed and the edge trim comes off. Such troubles occur due to the dishonesty of the manufacturer, who decided to reduce the cost of furniture through inexpensive adhesives or finishing materials.
Photo of MDF edges for kitchen units
When examined, new furniture, which will cause problems in the future, is almost impossible to distinguish from high-quality furniture. Everything manifests itself during operation, so when purchasing, be sure to pay attention to how long the manufacturer provides a warranty. The longer it lasts, the more confident the manufacturer is in the quality of the kitchen furniture produced.
The difference in quality is noticeable after several years of use. If the next time you plan to change furniture in the kitchen no sooner than in ten years, then you should not buy economy sets; there is a high probability that the manufacturer has skimped on quality. We advise you to pay attention to models in the mid-price range.
Photo of a high-quality kitchen set made of MDF
Recommendation from designer Maxim Arkhangelsky:
I’ll tell you about the problems that most often face those who have bought low-quality kitchen furniture made from MDF.
The color scheme changes. The set is fading. This is especially true if the kitchen windows face south.
How to solve : hang blinds on the window.
Blinds will help keep the set from fading
The film peels off. Most often this happens with modules located near the stove.
How to solve : it is impossible to prevent it in advance.
Peeling of film on the facade
When cleaning, the surface is scratched and the damage is obvious.
How to solve : wash the doors carefully, use mild detergents.
Soft care
3 reasons to choose furniture made from MDF panels ↑
- Design potential. The slabs are valued for their ease of processing. The material lends itself well to cutting with conventional tools and can be given any shape. The facades are decorated with patterns made on a milling machine. Panels are a valuable material for making furniture. They can last for many years without losing their original appearance.
- Performance characteristics. In many respects, MDF is not inferior to, or even superior to, natural wood. Furniture with facades made of MDF boards can be disassembled and reassembled without any damage to the strength of the joints. Additional advantages are fire safety, antiseptic properties, water resistance.
- Aesthetic finishing. For the external finishing of panels, film, plastic, enamels, veneer, and laminate are used. The facades acquire a chic appearance and are suitable for creating respectable interiors in any style.
"Sunny" kitchen
MDF kitchens in PVC film
If you want to reduce the cost of a kitchen set made of MDF, then pay attention to models whose facades are finished with PVC film. The price reduction is explained by the use of simpler technology. The film is applied to the plate using a vacuum device. The film can be of a variety of colors, with a print or simply plain.
Film for kitchen facades
Films that imitate the texture of natural wood are especially popular. They are universal: they fit perfectly into most interior solutions, with the exception of high-tech. Furniture can be made not only in the classic style. Great for modern, Provence, Scandinavian style. It is impossible to hide the fact that the headset is made of composite material, but this can only be determined at close range.
Photo MDF set, film imitating wood texture
The popularity of MDF facades is due to a combination of three factors: affordable cost, long service life, ease of maintenance.
Photo: color glossy film
During production, the manufacturer can use different options for PVC film. With its help you can even imitate antique furniture. Do you want your kitchen set to feel like an antique? When ordering, ask to apply a film to MDF furniture, the color of which resembles a noble patina.
Dreaming of something more original? Then pay attention to a film that creates a metallic shine or a glamorous diamond gloss. PVC film for facades is excellent for sets with complex milling. This gives kitchen furniture manufacturers the opportunity to experiment with shape and make original designer sets to order.
Photo set made of MDF with complex milling
The cost of a headset decorated with PVC film depends on several factors:
- coating strength;
- does the film have prints or is it made in monochrome;
- size of the headset, its design features.
In the photo - glossy film, MDF kitchen
Painted MDF facades
Painted MDF facades are distinguished by their visual appeal. They look impressive. The most important thing is that if you place an order for production, you don’t have to be limited to the standard color scheme. Here, as your design talent will tell you, you can experiment as you please. One of the latest trends is kitchen facades with gradient transitions.
The photo shows hand-painted MDF facades
MDF panels are painted with automotive enamel. It is applied gradually, requiring several layers. The technology takes a long time, but the final result is amazing, the finished facades of kitchen cabinets are pleasing to the eye, the color is not only bright and uniform, but also durable. MDF panels for the kitchen come in matte and glossy.
Painting kitchen facades
The front part, depending on the design idea, can be perfectly smooth and even, or have a pattern made using milling. Enamel painting is an ideal option for any type of surface.
How to care for painted MDF facades
The advantage of painted facades is that they are not subject to fading; you can safely furnish kitchens facing south with such furniture. Even when the set is placed opposite a window and direct sunlight hits the facades, the color will remain as rich after several years as when purchased.
An important plus is easy care. When painted MDF panels become dirty, they should be wiped with a damp sponge coated with a non-aggressive detergent.
Glossy panels are a little more difficult to care for. The main disadvantage of gloss is visible fingerprints, so you should accustom yourself and your household to touch the facades as little as possible, and try to use only handles. Remember that glossy facades need regular wiping, otherwise the kitchen will look sloppy.
Kitchen with painted MDF facades in the interior, photo
Another drawback is that the facades are not particularly durable. This must be taken into account, especially if there are small children in the family - they will probably scratch the furniture. Strong impacts can leave noticeable dents on the furniture.
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Features of the material
Facades made of painted MDF have literally burst into the furniture market in recent years and have rightfully taken a leading position. Kitchen furniture made from painted MDF is very durable and reliable, it competes with wooden furniture and is in no way inferior to it in either beauty or practicality. The thing is that the production of painted MDF does not involve the presence of harmful chemical compounds and is environmentally friendly. The board consists of tiny grains of wood dust, which, when exposed to high temperatures, release a substance called lignin.
The latter, in combination with paraffin after pressing, promotes the formation of a dense monolithic material. Despite the strength of painted MDF, it is very practical in the manufacture of products, as it tends to sag under high temperatures, which allows you to make the furniture elegant. Its shape can be oval or round; the material allows you to make facades with carved patterns and other original decorative elements.
By painting MDF panels you can create any original design
